If you have been injured in a NOLA accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a New Orleans personal injury attorney to file a claim. The other driver was clearly responsible for causing the accident, so his insurance company should pay your claim, right? You would assume this to be true, but it is not always that simple. An insurance company may deny a valid claim, unjustly delay a claim, or undervalue a claim. Regardless of what you may believe, consulting an attorney after a traffic accident is typically in your best interest.
Five Ways a NOLA Personal Injury Attorney Helps After a Traffic Accident
1. An attorney investigates the crash and gathers evidence proving fault.
To recover compensation for your damages, you must prove that the other driver caused the crash. Your attorney investigates the accident scene, interviews witnesses, and gathers other evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault for the crash. It can be difficult for you to perform the intensive investigation necessary to prove fault if you are not familiar with the legal elements you must prove, and you are recovering from physical injuries caused by the accident.
2. Provide legal advice and counsel.
The personal injury laws in Louisiana can be confusing. An attorney explains the laws in a way that you can understand. He also explains your options for recovering compensation and the steps you need to take to protect your legal rights.
3. Communicates with the insurance company and other parties.
You are under enough stress after a traffic accident. You do not need the added stress of dealing with an aggressive insurance adjuster or defense attorney. Your New Orleans personal injury attorney handles all the communication with third parties regarding your accident and your claim. You focus on your recovery while your attorney focuses on obtaining a fair settlement for your injury claim.
4. An attorney calculates the value of your personal injury claim.
You may be entitled to financial damages and non-economic damages, but it can be difficult to know the true value of your claim unless you are familiar with the various formulas for calculating pain and suffering damages. You do not have a bill or invoice you can submit to the insurance company to prove how much you have suffered because of the accident and your injuries. A personal injury attorney helps you document your financial damages and calculates your pain and suffering damages to maximize your recovery amount.
5. File a personal injury lawsuit.
An insurance adjuster tries to pay as little as possible to settle your claim. Your attorney handles all negotiations with the insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement amount, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit if that is in your best interest.
Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Case Review
Do not leave your injury claim in the hands of an insurance company or adjuster. Get the advice you need to protect your legal rights during a free, no-obligation consultation with a New Orleans personal injury attorney.
Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your injury claim.